A fact is a fact, sometimes, you just want to have a dog around. Â They provide many things, far too numerous to list them all here. Â A funeral home in White Plains, NY now has their very own comfort dog, that is brought out upon request for families.
Lulu is a one-year-old goldendoodle that has been specially trained and certified as a therapy dog. Â The idea is fairly obvious. Â Lulu is there to be a shoulder to be cried on, provide some comfort to the grieving, and just be there for whatever. Â She sits and waits for someone to call her over or greet her, and immediately goes to work.
“We only introduce her if a family asks,” said Matthew Fiorillo, the funeral director at the home. Â “We don’t want to upset people who don’t like dogs, or distract mourners. Â She’s just here for people who might find a little comfort with her.”
It’s believed that Lulu is the only comfort dog in the business in the area. Â She came to Ballard Durand Funeral Home after a very thorough training and socialization.
“She was socialized like crazy,” Fiorillo said. Â “The trainer even took her to Disney World, to make sure she can stay calm when she’s in big crowds of people.”
Lulu is simply amazing at what she does. Â Many people have been very grateful for the canine companionship in their time of need. Â She’s even been trained to “say a prayer.” Â When given the command, she puts her front paws together on a chair, and bows her head.
“She has an uncanny knack for being able to spot people who need her,” Fiorillo said. Â “She gravitates to them. Â I can’t explain it, but it’s there.”